Designed To Be Awake

Dr. Starchild Speaks: Part 1

Podcast Episode DescriptionDr. Starchild Speaks – Part 1
Welcome
Welcome, beautiful listeners! In this opening episode of my Dr. Starchild Speaks astrology mini-series, I invite you into a deeply intuitive 4:15-a.m. download—an unexpected inner lecture from a teacher, guide, or inner astrologer who walked me through the zodiac in a way I’d never experienced before. This is the beginning of a three-part journey through all twelve signs, starting with the very first four.
Episode Summary
In this episode, I share how my love for astrology began—starting with a mysterious Linda Goodman book that appeared in my childhood bedroom—and how that early curiosity transformed into decades of exploration.
I then bring you right into the vivid teaching that came through to me in the early morning hours: the soul standing at the center of twelve doorways, each doorway representing a different astrological way of being.
This first installment explores Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. I reflect on what I learned about each archetype, what we often misunderstand about them, and how each sign naturally flows into the next. Rather than seeing astrology as a set of personality boxes, I invite you to experience these signs from the inside out—as energies your soul may choose to inhabit, even temporarily, to learn, grow, and remember who you are.
Key Takeaways
Astrology as a Soul Journey: I view each sign as a doorway the soul might step into, not a fixed identity or a label we’re stuck with.
Aries – I describe Aries as the brave initiator—courageous, resilient, and built for beginnings. Not selfish, but purposeful.
Taurus – To me, Taurus is the Garden of Eden—a place of safety, beauty, grounding, and homecoming. I share how Taurus energy can be a gift for souls recovering from past turmoil.
Gemini – I see Gemini as the butterfly who brings curiosity, playfulness, and connection. It’s the spark of movement after Taurus’s rooted stillness.
Cancer – Cancer feels like the protective shell that carries home wherever it goes—sensitive, nurturing, and designed to preserve life in the wilderness beyond the garden.
Compassion Through Archetypes: Understanding the signs helps me love people (and myself) as we are, rather than trying to change the fundamental way someone is built.
The Signs as a Story: I walk you through how these first four signs connect: the brave beginning of Aries, the grounding of Taurus, the curiosity of Gemini, and the emotional shelter of Cancer.
An Invitation to Reflect: I encourage you to notice when these energies show up in your life—within yourself or in the people you love—and consider how each one wants to be honored.
Join me next time for Part 2, where I’ll continue the journey with Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio. Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favorite listening platform and leave a review—it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

Dr. Starchild Speaker: Trailer

This special bonus episode of Design to Be Awake serves as a closing punctuation mark to Season One and an introduction to a three-part astrology series titled Ways of Being. Rather than focusing on astrology as prediction or belief, this series approaches it as a living library of archetypes—patterns and ways of being that describe the human journey from birth to death.
Whether or not you’re familiar with astrology, these episodes invite curiosity, reflection, and resonance. They are meant to be felt, explored, and enjoyed as a lens for understanding yourself and others.
Thank you for listening, for being part of this season, and for bringing your presence to Design to Be Awake. Happy Holidays.

Episode 12: Humility

WelcomeHey everyone, it’s Mick. This episode is called “Humility,” and I’m diving into one of the most powerful ways to tell if you’re having a true awakening or just an ego experience. We’re talking about the difference between genuine humility and the ego’s sneaky tricks, plus what it really feels like in your body when you’re present and connected.
 
Episode SummaryIn this episode, I explore the paradox of awakening—how it’s both empowering and deeply humbling at the same time. I share my own journey with the ego, the push and pull between arrogance and insecurity, and how humility is the signpost that you’re on the right path. I get honest about the messiness of showing up, the temptation to perform enlightenment, and the beauty of surrendering into something greater than myself.
 
Key Takeaways
Humility is the true marker of authentic awakening—ego can fake enlightenment, but it can’t fake that feeling in your body
Awakening is paradoxical: you feel both your power and your helplessness
The ego tries to co-opt every experience, sometimes through arrogance, sometimes through insecurity
The only thing worse than arrogance is false humility—real humility has a distinct, grounding feeling
When you surrender into humility, you can offer your gifts without fear or performance
Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favourite listening platform and leave a review—it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.
 

Episode 11: This Illusory World

WelcomeHey everyone, it’s Mick. This week’s episode, “This Illusory World,” is a short but deep dive into the stories we inherit, vulnerability, and the beauty of being fully human—even when the world feels less than perfect. I’m reflecting on the myth of the fallen world, what it means to connect soul-to-soul, and how gratitude for our own struggles can transform everything.
 
Episode SummaryIn this episode, I explore how ancient stories like original sin shape our experience, and why I believe we’re already closer to “the garden” than we think. I share honest moments from my own life—supporting clients, facing heartbreak, and the ongoing dance between vulnerability and resilience. I talk about the struggle of pretending, the surprising gifts of pain, and why I’m so grateful for every part of my journey. There’s a bit of philosophy, a bit of spirituality, and a whole lot of real talk about what it means to be alive and connected.
 
Key Takeaways
We’re all influenced by the myth of the “fallen world”—even if we don’t realise it
True connection comes from embracing vulnerability, not avoiding it
The pain and challenges we face are not separate from our growth—they’re essential
It’s okay to value fun and beauty, but I always want to go deeper
No matter what, you are loved and supported beyond measure—even if you can’t see it right now
Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favourite listening platform and leave a review - it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.
 

Episode 10: Toxic Positivity

WelcomeHey listeners! Welcome to episode 10 of Designed to Be Awake. I’m Mick Kubiak, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s been making the rounds lately - toxic positivity. I’m genuinely excited to share this episode with you, because there’s so much nuance missing from the bigger conversation out there.
 
Episode SummaryWe’re talking about what toxic positivity really is, why it’s even considered “toxic,” and exploring the flip side, yep, toxic negativity. I open up about my own journey: how I used to cringe at the “cheer up, put a smile on it” vibe, and how I also fell into negative thought loops.
 
I get honest about boundaries, what it means to show up authentically, and how neither relentless positivity nor wallowing in negativity gets us closer to our true selves. I share some personal stories, including a powerful turning point (spoiler: it involved a divine message in a café) and how I learned that negative thinking is a luxury I can’t afford anymore. We also talk about creativity, externalizing our shadows, and the difference between writing from the wound and writing from the scar.
 
Key Takeaways✨ Toxic positivity and toxic negativity are both about extreme engagement with emotional states, they’re not who we really are✨ Set boundaries when you need to protect your energy, whether from someone else’s forced positivity or heavy negativity✨ The real magic happens when you create space between yourself and your stories, emotions, and old patterns✨ Sometimes, the art we make from our pain helps others feel less alone, but healing comes from perspective, not just the raw wound✨ Sitting with stillness and presence is where you’ll find your true self, not in memes, not in slogans, but in the quiet in-between
 
Resources & Links🎬 If you haven’t seen Groundhog Day, do yourself a favor and watch it!🎵 Shoutout to anyone who remembers my record “Here Comes Spring” - thank you for listening and for sharing your stories with me📖 Check out the Philip Larkin quote I mentioned: “The most negative poem in the world is a very positive thing to have done.”
 
For You to Reflect On
Take a moment to sit with these ideas, ask yourself, “What’s true for me?” Notice where you might be running a program, and give yourself permission to just be. If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out to me, I love hearing from you.
 
Until next time, be gentle with yourself and stay awake. 💛
 

Episode 9: Psychic Cities

WelcomeHello, hello I’m coming to you from my kitchen table on a Friday evening, winding down after a packed week with clients. Tonight, I want to share a couple of things that came up for me, and for a client, that I think you’ll find really helpful. 🌃
 
Episode SummaryIn this episode, I dive into the idea of seeing your psyche as a city – complete with neighbourhoods that feel safe, vibrant, or, sometimes, a bit sketchy. I talk about how I started to picture my own mind this way, especially when I’d get stuck in fear or anxiety. Instead of believing “this is just how it is now,” I realised I’d simply wandered into a rough part of town… and that I could always find my way back. 🏙️
 
I also chat about the “trauma vortex” – that part of us that holds old pain and can pull us in when we least expect it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re suddenly back in an old, dark place, you’re not alone. I share how, even when we end up in those places, there’s a part of us that knows it will pass. Sometimes, all it takes is a deep breath and a reminder that you’ve got safe, resourced neighbourhoods inside you, too.
 
Key Takeaways✨ Your psyche is like a city – there are places you love and places you’d rather avoid, but you’re never stuck forever✨ When you find yourself in a “bad neighbourhood” emotionally, it’s just a few blocks away from safety✨ The trauma vortex can feel inescapable, but it’s only temporary – you can ground yourself and move through it✨ You have areas of resource and light within you, even when things feel tough✨ Staying present is always an area of resource – now is the only place you can make a difference
 
Resources & LinksIf you’re resonating with this, know that you’re not alone. Take a breath, ground yourself, and remember: you’ve got this.Want to share your thoughts or experiences? Drop me a message – I love hearing from you.
Keep shining, and I’ll see you next time! 💛
 

Episode 8: Wandering

WelcomeHello. Welcome to another episode. Today, I want to talk about wandering. Wandering is a practice. I know it just sounds like something you randomly do, just wandering around, not sure what to do, maybe even a little aimless. But that’s actually the beautiful part of it. When I choose to practice wandering, I’m consciously letting go of imagining that I’m headed somewhere specific, and instead, I’m just moving. I step out my front door and wait for an impulse, left, right, straight ahead, and just follow it. There’s something really freeing about not having a plan, not needing to know, and just experiencing what comes up.
 
Episode SummaryWandering is more than just moving without direction, it’s about letting go of control and seeing what happens. I talk about how wandering for even 15 minutes, or better yet, an hour, challenges all those habits we have around needing to have a plan or destination. We’re so used to knowing, to being purposeful and intentional, but sometimes it’s good to try not knowing. It’s a chance to move through the world differently.
 
I share how, when you wander, you might run into someone and instead of slipping into your usual social groove, you just look at them, connect, and breathe. It’s about dropping the stories and programming we all carry, those ways of doing, talking, and interacting that can limit our experience of life. My mom never really got the idea of just being or meditation—she was always on the go, always doing. But wandering, like meditation, is a way to break out of that programming and experience a little self-liberation.
 
Key Takeaways
🗺️ Wandering is about letting go of plans and control.
🌀 Not knowing where you’re going can open up new experiences.
👀 Dropping your stories about people lets you see them in a new way.
🛑 Our routines and programming limit us - wandering is a way to break free.
🌱 Even a short wander can help you practice presence and openness.
Resources & LinksFind some time today or this week to wander, no plan, no destination. Just see where you end up and who you meet. Notice the stories you tell about people and moments, and see if you can let them go.
 
Thank you for listening. That’s it for this episode. Have a wonderful wander.

Episode 7: We Are Eternal

WelcomeHello and welcome to another episode. I just got home from happy hour and dinner with a dear friend in a neighborhood I’ve known for years. I took an Uber so I could have a cocktail, and ended up at a restaurant I’ve been going to, off and on, for about a decade. Back when my daughter and I lived nearby, it was our spot - somewhere I could get a glass of wine, help her with her homework, and feel like part of a little, temporary family. Those were beautiful times.
 
Episode SummarySpending time in that familiar place got me reflecting on how everything in life changes, people come and go, places change, chapters end, sometimes without us even noticing. But there’s something in us that’s always there, something eternal. I talk about how we’re eternal beings having a temporary experience, and how recognizing the impermanence of life makes every moment more precious.
I share how, over the years, I’ve noticed chapters in my life ending quietly, and how at times, it felt like nothing would ever change, until it did. The more I accept that everything is always shifting, the more beauty I find in the present moment.
 
I dive into the idea of prioritizing being over doing, and how anchoring myself in what’s always here, like the stillness at the bottom of the ocean, brings a sense of stability, even when life on the surface is chaotic. I talk about the difference between happiness (which comes and goes) and the deeper joy that’s always available to us, even if we don’t always feel it.
I share stories about synchronicity, like the time a fork magically appeared in my purse at the exact moment my friend Joan said the word “fork,” and how little moments like that remind me of the magic in everyday life.
 
Key Takeaways✨ Life is always changing - chapters end, people move on, places transform, but there’s a part of us that’s eternal.🌊 Anchoring ourselves in what’s always present (our being) brings stability, no matter what’s happening around us.🦉 Joy is our birthright -it’s deeper than the ups and downs of everyday life.🔮 Synchronicity and little moments of magic are reminders of how connected everything is.🌸 Accepting impermanence helps us appreciate each moment, person, and object while we have them.
Resources & Links
Book mentioned: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
Thank you for listening. If this episode helps you notice the beauty in the present or reminds you of your own eternal nature, then it’s done its job. Keep coming back - I’ll be here until I’m not anymore.

Episode 6: Big Feelings

WelcomeYou are listening to Designed to Be Awake with Mick Kubiak. This episode is called “BIG Feelings” and it’s all about what happens when we (and our kids) experience intense emotions, especially anger and sadness. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from years of working with both parents and adults, and why it’s so important to let feelings move through instead of shutting them down or shaming them.
 
Episode SummaryToday I’m talking about the pressure many of us feel to suppress emotions, our own or our children’s, and why that approach just doesn’t work. I share stories from my own experience as a parent, therapist, and coach, including what it was like working with families, and why “big feelings” are a normal, healthy part of being human. I cover the difference between reacting and actually feeling, how to support kids (and ourselves) through emotional storms, and why it’s okay to let the process unfold. There’s also a bit about anger, the clarity that comes from letting it move through, and yes, the infamous “pear tart incident.”
 
Key Takeaways✨ Emotions are natural and meant to be felt all the way through - without shame or panic✨ Trying to suppress or control feelings only makes things harder, for adults and kids✨ Supporting someone through big feelings is about presence, not fixing✨ Emotional storms always pass - there’s a beginning, middle, and end✨ Anger, sadness, and even joy all have a purpose and a message✨ We can break the cycle of shaming emotions for the next generation
 
Resources & Links
Learning Through the Emotions by Carla McLaren
More episodes and resources at mickkubiak.com
Thank you for listening. This episode and every episode would be impossible without my amazing team: Chase Coughlin, who edits and composed the music, and Maia Young.
 
If you enjoyed this, please leave a review, and if you want more Designed to Be Awake, subscribe at mickkubiak.com. See you next time.

Episode 5: Don't Shoot the Messenger

Welcome
You are listening to Designed to Be Awake with Mick Kubiak. This episode is a vulnerable one, recorded right from the middle of an intense emotional wave, a day when my pain body took over and I found myself unraveling, then slowly coming back to centre.
 
Episode Summary
Don’t shoot the messenger. Our feelings about things that happen are always a message that we ourselves are meant to receive and understand. When the feelings are painful, it’s so tempting to take it out on the messenger! The power of the pause is your best friend at these times.
I share what it’s like to be knocked out of alignment and how easy it is to believe the drama your mind creates. I talk about sadness, regret, and even rage, all triggered by a choice I made and the stories I spun around it. You’ll hear how reaching out to a friend who can hold up the real mirror helps me find reality again, and why the real message is always about what’s happening inside, not what someone else did.
 
Key Takeaways
✨ The pain body can take over even when you know better✨ The messenger isn’t the problem, the message is what’s coming up in you✨ Spaciousness, breathing, and a trusted friend can shift everything✨ Your return to centre is always possible, no matter how intense it feels✨ The power of the pause, give yourself space before reacting✨ Choose carefully who you share your vulnerability with, context matters
 
Resources & Links
Thank you to my team:Chase Coughlin, who edits every episode and composed the musicMaia Young
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe at mickkubiak.com.